Ecclesiastes 16 Oppression and Envy Ecclesiastes 4 1

Ecclesiastes (16) Oppression and Envy Ecclesiastes 4: 1 -8

The oppression of godless power (1 -3) • Then I returned and considered all the oppression done under the sun (4: 1) • Previously Solomon had noted that we should enjoy the fruits of our labors. This is a blessing from God. • Now he considers the oppressively greedy

The oppression of godless power (1 -3) • The oppressively greedy (4: 1) • Often (not always), those with power and great wealth are greedy and selfish. Whether leaders with political power, or businessmen with economical power – they make decisions that are selfserving and often oppress the poor and even the average man.

The oppression of godless power (1 -3) • The oppressively greedy (4: 1) • Many laws are passed without considering the undue burden it places on the ordinary citizens. Many business decisions are driven by excessive profits at the expense of the consumer. • At times those taken advantage of are powerless to do anything but endure it

• • The oppression of godless power (1 -3) The oppressed are in tears, but they find no comforter (4: 1) This is one living in total misery because they have been taken advantage of. They have no comforter (or so it seems). NOTE that this is a worldly perspective. The oppressed and poor can be as ungodly as the wealthy and powerful. They can be bitter toward God and others. They can be ungrateful and selfish.

The oppression of godless power (1 -3) • On the other side of their oppressors there is power, …(4: 1) • Corrupt rulers and business leaders. Perhaps Solomon considered history King Saul and some of the evil judges. Perhaps he observed the affairs of the godless nations around him (perhaps through his many wives) who acted selfishly and oppressed others • They may have been successful materially, BUT

• • The oppression of godless power (1 -3) On the other side of their oppressors there is power, but they have no comforter (4: 1) They have no comforter (either) They have no hope beyond their empty treasures – Matthew 6: 19 -21 The Bible speaks of such – both Israel and Judah were guilty. See also Matthew 23: 14, Titus 1: 10 -11, James 2: 6 -7, 5: 1 -6

• • • The oppression of godless power (1 -3) Therefore I praised the dead who were already dead… never born (4: 2 -3) Have you ever heard someone say, “I wish I had never been born”? Both Job and Jeremiah expressed that Job 3: 11 -16, Jeremiah 20: 14 -18 OUR context is dealing with those who have no God to comfort them. It is said from a worldly perspective. Should Christians think like this?

• • The oppression of godless power (1 -3) Applications: (4: 1 -3) We DO have a comforter - Matthew 11: 28 -30, 1 Peter 5: 7, 2 Corinthians 1: 3 -5 Our God is available to all – Galatians 3: 27, including different economical groups (cf. Matthew 19: 26) And we have hope of something better – 1 Peter 1: 3 -4. This gives us perspective

• • The oppression of godless power (1 -3) Applications: (4: 1 -3) Is it really better to have never been born? As Christians, we should not regret that day, but we thankful for the life and opportunities we have been given Its about perspective! Acts 16: 25, 2 Corinthians 12: 7 -10 Paul’s thorn in the flesh, Paul’s letter to the Philippians, etc.

• • • The oppression of godless power (1 -3) Applications: (4: 1 -3) Is it really better to have never been born? That is not to say there are never times of sorrow and discouragement. The Bible speaks often of trials and tribulations. We may be defrauded or suffer, even by brethren. Do NOT let it define who you are! James 1: 4, Luke 21: 19

Envied by his neighbor (4 -8) • Again I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor: (4: 4) • Solomon observes “class envy” The “have nots” envying those who have something else. Jealousy of neighbors • Such is not good or productive for you or society. Leads to many problems including hateful attitudes, possibly debt (keeping up with the Jones), etc.

Envied by his neighbor (4 -8) • Again I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor: (4: 4) • We are living in an entitlement society, where the materially successful are often villainized or made to feel guilty because of their success, EVEN IF they have been honorable. Many are successful because of hard work and wise decisions, only to watch others make foolish decisions and squander… Is it right to envy them?

Envied by his neighbor (4 -8) • Again I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor: (4: 4) • Solomon called such an attitude “vanity and grasping for the wind” • I call it SINFUL and a danger to society (as sinful as the greedy in power). We cannot pick which sins are acceptable!

• • • Envied by his neighbor (4 -8) The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh (4: 5) Continuing to address many (not all) who envy the prosperous, Solomon now addresses the sloth (lazy man). He doesn’t work and doesn’t want to. Or he makes POOR economical decisions. He wants others to support him or bail him out. Solomon often spoke of the sloth – Proverbs 6: 6 -11, etc. IF your lifestyle decision is to be wasteful and slothful, do you really have the right to envy the prosperous?

Envied by his neighbor (4 -8) • Better a handful with quietness, than both hands full. . With emptiness (4: 6) • Solomon’s conclusion is one of contentment. Proverbs 15: 16 -17, 16: 8, etc.

Envied by his neighbor (4 -8) • More vanity – one alone, without companion… yet he won’t stop working (4: 7 -8) • Here is one who is alone, but (or perhaps because) he is consumed with his work and wealth. No matter how much he has, it is never enough. Never satisfied. Consider Ebinezer Scrooge

Envied by his neighbor (4 -8) • More vanity – one alone, without companion… yet he won’t stop working (4: 7 -8) • He is foolish because he doesn’t stop to appreciate how blessed he is and what he has. He doesn’t enjoy it (within godly limits) • Proverbs 30: 8 -9

Envied by his neighbor (4 -8) • Applications: (4: 4 -8) • Contentment – there is no virtue in wealth OR poverty! Money is morally neutral. Its about your attitude and perspective. It is about doing your best. • We must learn to be content, 1 Timothy 6: 6 -8, Philippians 4: 11 -12

Envied by his neighbor (4 -8) • Applications: (4: 4 -8) • Sloth – is just as sinful as prideful greed. We cannot be lazy and wasteful and be pleasing to God! • God wants us to work and be responsible – 2 Thessalonians 3: 1012, Proverbs 18: 9

• • • Envied by his neighbor (4 -8) Applications: (4: 4 -8) Envy – is sinful, regardless of your economic status (or any other status for that matter). Be warned, 1 Timothy 6: 9 -10 1 Corinthians 13: 4, love does not envy James 3: 13 -16, it is the wisdom of this world and opposed to godly wisdom

Are you considering God with your material blessings? Ecclesiastes 12: 13 -14